Honor, freedom, respect and gratitude are the four adjectives that best describe the program Jim Bob Humphrey presented Tuesday to the Young at Heart group at First Baptist Church in Russellville.

Humphrey gave a Power Point presentation about the Honor Flight he and four local World War II veterans took part in last October.

Joe D. Bull, Jock Davis, Jack Carpenter and Winford Hoover were flown free of charge to Washington, D.C., to tour the World War II monument and other memorials.

“There were people at the airport waiting to greet us when we took off from Northwest Arkansas,” Humphrey said. “And there were close to 300 people that greeted us when we returned at 9 p.m. that evening. Seeing everyone honoring these veterans was an amazing experience.”

Humphrey is a founding member of the Salute to Freedom Task Force and said the Russellville organization is seeking to become a supporting sponsor of Honor Flight Network as part of its dedication to honoring and supporting veterans and their families.

Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans and their sacrifices by transporting them free of charge to Washington, D.C., for a guided tour of the military memorials. Top priority is given to World War II survivors and terminally ill veterans of any war. Since the program began in 2005, more than 81,000 veterans have participated in the program.

Humphrey said the cost per veteran is approximately $1,000, which totals about $40,000 each flight. Arkansas offers a flight in October and May, but Humphrey said the number could increase with additional funding.

“The Salute To Freedom Task Force wants to become a supporting organization for Honor Flight and send as many local World War II veterans as soon as possible,” Humphrey said. “We would also send veterans from other wars, but first we need to honor the remaining World War II survivors.”

Humphrey said more than 1,000 World War II veterans die each day and expressed the need for expediency to express our thanks to that brave generation of soldiers who fought for our freedom.

Humphrey was selected to accompany the four Russellville veterans because of his contribution to area veterans. A chaperon pays his or her own way for the trip and is assigned to assist a group of veterans. Depending on the mobility of the veteran, a chaperon may assist only one veteran or several.

Included in Humphrey’s slides were photos of local veterans, most in their uniform. The audience reminisced about each photo and occasionally kidded the veteran about differences in current and past weight.

Humphrey’s dedication to veterans is well-known among the community and his love and respect for the World War II vets and their families was noted during his entire presentation.

“I understand it is difficult for some of you to talk about the war,” Humphrey said. “But don’t quit. Don’t give up. Tell your story. Oral history is important, and it is my personal conviction that we won that war because of the determination and courage of your generation. You survived the Great Depression — that is the underpinning of why we won that war.”

Humphrey said he was humbled and awed by the camaraderie of the group of 90 veterans as they discussed the war and memories during the flight and while they toured the memorials.

Davis’ wife, Melba, said her husband only had one thing to say upon returning.

“He said, ‘This was the best day of my life,’” Melba Davis said. “We’ve been married for 64 years. He really enjoyed himself on that trip.”

Davis has been to Washington, D.C., numerous times, but encouraged veterans to apply for Honor Flight and experience the camaraderie and patriotism associated with the organization.

“Patriotism immediately comes to my mind when I think of the Honor Flight,” Davis said. “All along the way, younger civilians and soldiers would come and shake my hand thanking me for my service.”

Humphrey said anyone interested in the May flight can apply online at www.honorflight.org or contact Bill McKenzie at (479) 290-5039.